Uttarakhand Sub Junior Judo Team of 24 participants in various categories won two golds, three silvers and one bronze in the Sub Junior National Judo Championship held at Warangal in Telangana from September 30 to October 3. Uttarakhand’s Sneha Chauhan was declared the Best Judoka in girls’ category in the country.

The 13-year old, studying in Dehradun, has been learning the form of martial art for the last five years and her parents said that this is just the beginning for her as she was always interested in judo. “She wants to participate in international events and make the country proud,” her father, Satpal Chauhan, who stays in Uttarkashi, said. He added, “She has been able to strike a balance between her studies and judo and it takes a lot of hard work.”

The officials claim that this is the start of the preparation for the judo aspirants and the national championship is very significant for competing at global level.

Avnish Bhatt, technical secretary of Uttarakhand judo association, said, “Chauhan is now ranked at the top between age group of 10-15 years. All the winners will now prepare for junior championships for 15 years and above. There are no international championships for sub-junior category. However, this is the most important championship nationally and it is a big achievement for all the winners. Although the winners are not given any cash prizes, they get medals and certificates. Uttarakhand has been doing quite well in judo and this is the second time that a girl from the state has been declared ‘Best Judoka’ in the country.” Apart from Chauhan, Abhishek Negi, 10, also won gold in 25 kg category and above.